While I would like to encourage you to read the SparkNotes, it is very important for you to understand that these should NOT replace your reading of the text. Using them as a reference/ guide or a place to jot down notes as you read creates a self-directed study guide. Your teachers were not born yesterday--- nor 100 years ago! They too can access SparkNotes! Stay ahead of the game!
I would also like to encourage you to PURCHASE the titles that you are required to read in ALL of your English classes. Many of these titles will reappear in your lives and what better way to test your recall than to pull the actual text read in High School. If you are able to purchase each title (think amazon, half.com) WRITE ALL OVER THE BOOK! Make it your own! Write notes in the margins, underline characters in one color, events/ dates in another! If you are not able to do the above, sticky notes work just as well! After you have read the text, place the sticky notes on your sparknotes and save them in a file until you may need them for later (again, read above)!
As a last ditch effort-- start a book club! What better way to submerge yourself in the content of your reading than to engage in conversation surrounding themes, topics, character traits, or time periods. This may also provide a window for you to begin talking to that boy/ girl you have been admiring from across the cafeteria!
Lastly-- try to keep up! Create a 'timeline' to break up the text into smaller parts to read! This will make it more manageable and allow you to pace yourself! Better yet, share this theory with a few classmates and take turns breaking down texts you are assigned to read. This is also a great way to study! Find a 'study buddy' that is willing to work with you. Create a list of questions from the contents of chapters you decided upon in your timeline. Switch questions, complete, switch again and grade each others work. This will also help with comprehension. Do the same with unfamiliar vocabulary!
Carry a dictionary with you as you read! Yes, you will look like a dork-- much like your AIG teacher-- however you will never be caught off guard when you run across a word you don't know. If this is not appealing to you try circling the word in the text, finding the meaning at a later time (when you feel less pressure to conform), or write the word then definition on a sticky note for review later!
Should you be interested in any more 'tricks' that I might have up my sleeve, please feel free to stop by for a chat! If you would like for me to organize a book club for you (brownies and drinks included) please let me know! I'll be happy to be of assistance!
Find out your personility based on the Meyers Briggs personality types: Personality Type
This fella is great at explaining Algebra... for those of you having difficulty, look him up on You Tube!
Algebra Textbook Online Directions
To access the algebra text online for Algebra 1 go to www.glencoe.com. When selecting the correct textbook to view make sure that you choose Algebra@2004 (the picture should be one of your textbook). You will be asked to enter a username: ALG1NC04 and a password: 5jwiFN64.
We're Off and RUNNING!!!! Open house was a "smashing" success for both High Schools! I certainly hope that everyone has at least found their homeroom for Monday morning! I am looking forward to working with everyone this year as we all reacclimate ourselves to school!
Many of you have asked for a recommended Reading List for your summer vacation... (you over achievers you) Here are a few that I have compiled from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and Prentice Hall ......
HONORS ENGLISH CHRISTMAS REQUIRED READING
A Wrinkle in Time (L'Engle)
Spark Notes
While I would like to encourage you to read the SparkNotes, it is very important for you to understand that these should NOT replace your reading of the text. Using them as a reference/ guide or a place to jot down notes as you read creates a self-directed study guide. Your teachers were not born yesterday--- nor 100 years ago! They too can access SparkNotes! Stay ahead of the game!
I would also like to encourage you to PURCHASE the titles that you are required to read in ALL of your English classes. Many of these titles will reappear in your lives and what better way to test your recall than to pull the actual text read in High School. If you are able to purchase each title (think amazon, half.com) WRITE ALL OVER THE BOOK! Make it your own! Write notes in the margins, underline characters in one color, events/ dates in another! If you are not able to do the above, sticky notes work just as well! After you have read the text, place the sticky notes on your sparknotes and save them in a file until you may need them for later (again, read above)!
As a last ditch effort-- start a book club! What better way to submerge yourself in the content of your reading than to engage in conversation surrounding themes, topics, character traits, or time periods. This may also provide a window for you to begin talking to that boy/ girl you have been admiring from across the cafeteria!
Lastly-- try to keep up! Create a 'timeline' to break up the text into smaller parts to read! This will make it more manageable and allow you to pace yourself! Better yet, share this theory with a few classmates and take turns breaking down texts you are assigned to read. This is also a great way to study! Find a 'study buddy' that is willing to work with you. Create a list of questions from the contents of chapters you decided upon in your timeline. Switch questions, complete, switch again and grade each others work. This will also help with comprehension. Do the same with unfamiliar vocabulary!
Carry a dictionary with you as you read! Yes, you will look like a dork-- much like your AIG teacher-- however you will never be caught off guard when you run across a word you don't know. If this is not appealing to you try circling the word in the text, finding the meaning at a later time (when you feel less pressure to conform), or write the word then definition on a sticky note for review later!
Should you be interested in any more 'tricks' that I might have up my sleeve, please feel free to stop by for a chat! If you would like for me to organize a book club for you (brownies and drinks included) please let me know! I'll be happy to be of assistance!
Good luck! Happy Reading!
Freshman Breakfast Club November Article
FX Classes-- Testing Taking Skills
Find out your personility based on the Meyers Briggs personality types: Personality Type
This fella is great at explaining Algebra... for those of you having difficulty, look him up on You Tube!
Algebra Textbook Online Directions
To access the algebra text online for Algebra 1 go to www.glencoe.com. When selecting the correct textbook to view make sure that you choose Algebra@2004 (the picture should be one of your textbook). You will be asked to enter a username: ALG1NC04 and a password: 5jwiFN64.Freshman Fall DEP material
Interesting Information
NC Scholar Information
We're Off and RUNNING!!!! Open house was a "smashing" success for both High Schools! I certainly hope that everyone has at least found their homeroom for Monday morning! I am looking forward to working with everyone this year as we all reacclimate ourselves to school!
Many of you have asked for a recommended Reading List for your summer vacation... (you over achievers you) Here are a few that I have compiled from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and Prentice Hall ......
Top 25 Recommended Texts from English I Teachers across NC
Prentice Hall Recommended Reading List
Welcome to our first year of High School together! Here we go..